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11 Tips for Using Kids' Medicine Safely

No parent wants their sick child to suffer. Medication can help ease pain or bring down a fever. But if it’s not used correctly, medicine can have the opposite effect, harming instead of helping your little one. Keep these tips in mind when giving your child pills, capsules, or syrups.

Use the cup or other dosing device that came with your child’s medication every time you give the drug. If you can’t find it, ask your pharmacist for a replacement. Never guess or use an unmarked cup.

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All over-the-counter drugs contain a "Drug Facts" label. This
panel tells you what the package contains, how to use it, and any
dangers. Prescription drugs come with instructions, too. Read this
information before giving medicine to your child each and every time.

Give your child medicine as directed on the package or by the doctor.
Set alarms on your phone or watch to remind you when it’s time. If you
forget, give the dose as soon as you remember. Then, wait the
recommended number of hours before giving the next dose.

Always keep medications out of sight and beyond the reach of little hands. Don’t leave them on counters, in dressers or nightstands, or in purses or bags—either your own or those belonging to friends or relatives. Snap child-resistant caps back in place after each use.

Use a daily medication record and share it with everyone who takes care
of your child. At the top, write your child’s name, age, and weight,
along with the date. Record each dose you deliver, along with the time.

Sometimes, doses must be given while your child attends school or child
care. Give the medication—in a container with the original
label—directly to an adult. Don’t send it in your child’s backpack. Also
hand over a written authorization from your child’s doctor and a note
of consent from you.

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Old medications lose their effectiveness—and some can be dangerous. If your child doesn’t use all of a prescription or over-the-counter medicine before it expires, get rid of it. All OTC medicines can be thrown out, and some prescriptions should be flushed. Be aware that flushing drugs can create an environmental hazard. Alternatively, you can dispose of unwanted medications by placing them into a small bowl of hot water. Once everything dissolves pour the contents into a clean disposable diaper and place it in the garbage. Ask your pharmacist for other suggestions or go to
American Association of Poison Control Centers for details.

It may seem harmless to give your son a dose of antibiotics prescribed for your daughter if both have an ear infection. But the same medicine may not work for him. What’s more, one child may have a dangerous allergic reaction or require a different dose based on age and weight.

Half of ER visits due to cold and cough medicine misuse involve infants and toddlers. Don’t give these drugs to children younger than age 4 unless the doctor specifically tells you to. Also, ask before giving medication labeled for adults to any child.

Program the Poison Control Center’s number—800-222-1222—in your home and cell phones. Post it prominently in your home. Call it anytime when you know or think your child may have ingested too much medicine. Call
911 for severe symptoms such as unconsciousness, uncontrollable shaking, and trouble breathing.

Tell kids what medicine is and why they shouldn’t take it without a grownup’s help. Explain to young children that even though it sometimes looks like candy, medicine can make them sick. With older kids and teens, discuss the dangers of over-the-counter or prescription drug abuse, including overdose and addiction.

Using Kids' Medicine Safely

No parent wants their sick child to suffer. Medication can help ease pain or bring down a fever. But if it’s not used correctly, medicine can have the opposite effect, harming instead of helping your little one. Keep these tips in mind when giving your child pills, capsules, or syrups.